A recent investigation by Which? has raised significant concerns about the reliability and usefulness of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). The findings reveal several issues that could potentially mislead homeowners and renters, leading to unnecessary expenses and unhelpful recommendations.

Background on EPCs

EPCs were introduced in 2007 as part of the Home Information Pack (HIP) to provide prospective buyers and renters with a way to compare the energy efficiency of homes. Although the HIP requirement was later scrapped, a valid EPC remains mandatory for selling or letting a property. These certificates rate homes from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient) and suggest cost-effective ways to improve energy efficiency​

Findings from the Investigation

Accuracy Issues:

• Which? selected 12 homes across England, Wales, and Scotland for EPC assessments.
• Out of the 11 participants who received their EPCs, 8 reported inaccuracies in the descriptions of their homes, such as incorrect details about windows, roofs, and heating systems.
• One participant’s EPC was corrected after errors were identified, which improved the energy efficiency rating from D to B​ 

Low Satisfaction Levels:

• Only one participant was ‘very satisfied’ with their EPC.
• Just three participants would recommend getting an EPC based on their experience​

Unhelpful Recommendations:

• Some EPCs suggested costly improvements with long payback periods, making them economically impractical.
• Recommendations for solid wall insulation, for instance, quoted a broad cost range (£4,000-£14,000), which could deter homeowners despite potential lower costs for their specific properties​ 

Accreditation Scheme’s Response

Elmhurst Energy, the largest accreditation scheme for Domestic Energy Assessors (DEAs), was informed about the investigation’s findings. Elmhurst admitted that the current EPC system is often unclear and misunderstood by consumers. They support reforms for clearer presentation and more accurate assessments. Audits conducted by Elmhurst on the flagged EPCs found inaccuracies in three out of four cases, leading to corrections​.

Call for Reforms

Which? is advocating for government reforms to make EPCs more reliable and useful. They recommend:

• Improved auditing of EPCs.
• Enhanced training for DEAs to ensure accurate assessments.
• Clear, actionable advice in EPCs, including both low-cost measures and more expensive options for improving energy efficiency​

The Which? investigation highlights significant flaws in the current EPC system, which can mislead homeowners and lead to unnecessary expenses. The call for reforms aims to ensure EPCs provide reliable and practical information to help households improve energy efficiency and reduce costs effectively.

For more details, you can read the full article on the Which? website